By Dare Akogun
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 127 deaths from Lassa fever so far in 2025. Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo States remain the epicentres of the outbreak, accounting for over 70 percent of all confirmed cases in the country.
The latest Lassa fever situation report from the NCDC, covering up to the 14th epidemiological week, reveals that out of 4,025 suspected cases, 674 have been confirmed across 18 states and 93 local government areas.
Ondo State alone accounts for 30 percent of the confirmed cases, followed by Bauchi with 25 percent, and Edo with 16 percent.
Director-General of the NCDC Dr Jide Idris, said despite ongoing efforts, the country is still seeing avoidable deaths.
“The case fatality rate this year stands at 18.8 percent, slightly higher than the 18.5 percent recorded during the same period in 2024,” he said.
Dr Idris attributed the rising fatality rate to late presentation of cases and poor environmental sanitation in affected areas.
“Between March 31 and April 6 alone, 15 new cases and five deaths were recorded from six states Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Gombe,” he added..
According to the NCDC, young adults aged 21 to 30 years are the most affected demographic, with poor awareness, high treatment costs, and inadequate sanitation compounding the spread.
The Centre noted that no new infections among healthcare workers were reported in the latest week—an encouraging sign for frontline responders.
To address the outbreak, the NCDC has activated a national multi-sectoral Incident Management System, deployed rapid response teams to high-burden areas, and intensified community engagement and risk communication.
Essential medical supplies, including Ribavirin and personal protective equipment, have also been distributed to treatment centres nationwide.
“We urge Nigerians to avoid contact with rodents, maintain clean surroundings, and visit a health facility immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, headache, or unexplained bleeding,” Dr Idris said.
The NCDC has also advised the public to stay informed through its official website or via the toll-free line 6232.
